Seat belt and car seat: the rules for driving

Verified 03 October 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

The rear seats of your car are temporarily unusable and you wonder if you can settle your child under 10 years old in the front? We tell you the rules to know about the use of seat belts and the approved child restraint system (car seat).

The rules are different for a child and for an adult.

For a child

The rules vary according to the age of the child.

Infographie - Child in car: safety device
Illustration X - Child in car: safety device - plus de détails dans le texte suivant l’infographie
Illustration X
Crédits: Direction de l’information légale et administrative

Ouvrir l’image dans une nouvelle fenêtre

A child under 10 years of age must be secured in an approved child restraint system adapted to its morphology.

A child 10 years of age or older must be fastened with a seat belt, front or rear.

Child in car: safety device

Download
Child in car: safety device - plus de détails dans le texte suivant l’infographie
Crédits: Service Public (DILA)Infographie - Child in car: safety device

A child under 10 years of age must be secured in an approved child restraint system adapted to its morphology.

A child 10 years of age or older must be fastened with a seat belt, front or rear.

Principle

In circulation, a child under 10 years must be settled at the rear of the vehicle and be attached in a car seat adapted to its morphology and weight (approved child restraint system).

Consult the Road Safety website for know how to choose one child-friendly restraint.

The restraint system must have an approval endorsement certifying that it complies with European standards:

  • The R44 standard classifies devices into 5 groups corresponding to weight of the child . Only the devices referenced R. 44-03 and R. 44-04 remain authorized.
  • The R129 standard (Isize) classifies seats according to the child's height. This standard is gradually replacing R44. All standard seats Isize have the system Isofix, which has been mandatory in new vehicles since 2011.

Exceptions

The use of a approved child restraint system is not mandatory in the following cases:

  • The morphology of the child is adapted to the wearing of the seat belt (the car seat is designed up to a size of 1m50)
  • The child has a medical certificate an exemption issued by a licensed physician. The medical certificate must indicate its validity period. In case of control, it must be presented to law enforcement.
  • The child is transported in a taxi or in a public transport vehicle.

A child under the age of 10 may be settled in the front of the vehicle, provided that approved restraint system, in the following cases:

  • The child is settled with his/her back to the road, in an approved restraint system designed for this purpose ("back to the road" baby device ). The airbag must be disabled.
  • The vehicle does not have rear seats
  • The rear seat of the vehicle is not equipped with a seat belt
  • The rear seats of the vehicle are temporarily unusable
  • Other children under the age of 10 already occupy all the rear seats of the vehicle.

Sanctions

A driver who does not comply with these rules shall be punished by a fine up to €750. In general, this is a lump sum fine of €135.

Principle

In circulation, a child 10 years of age or older must be secured by a seat belt provided that the seat is equipped with it. It can be settled at the front or rear of the vehicle. Each seat equipped with a seat belt must be occupied by a single child.

Exceptions

The use of seat belts is not mandatory in the following cases:

  • A child 10 years of age or older whose body shape is clearly unsuitable for wearing a seat belt
  • Child 10 years of age or older with a medical certificate an exemption issued by a licensed physician. The medical certificate must indicate its validity period. In case of control, it must be presented to law enforcement.
  • In emergency response, if he is a passenger in a priority general interest vehicle or an ambulance
  • In urban areas, if he is a passenger in a public service vehicle forced by necessity of service to stop frequently
  • In built-up areas, if he is a passenger in a vehicle carrying out door-to-door deliveries.

Sanctions

A driver who fails to comply with these obligations shall be sanctioned by a fine up to €750. In general, this is a lump sum fine of €135.

For an adult

In circulation, the wearing of the seat belt is mandatory at the front and rear of the vehicle provided that the seat is equipped with it. Each seat equipped with a seat belt must be occupied by one person.

However, the following persons are not required to wear a seat belt:

  • A person whose body shape is clearly unsuitable for wearing a seat belt
  • Person with a medical certificate an exemption issued by a licensed physician. The medical certificate must indicate its validity period. In case of control, you must present it to law enforcement.
  • In emergency response, driver or passenger of a priority general interest vehicle or ambulance
  • Taxi driver on duty
  • In built-up areas, the driver or passenger of a public service vehicle is obliged by necessity to stop frequently
  • In built-up areas, driver or passenger of a vehicle carrying out door-to-door deliveries.

Failure to comply with the obligation to wear a seat belt is punishable by a fine up to €750. In general, this is a lump sum fine of €135. The unattached driver also risks a 3-point removal on his license.

On the same subject

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • For further information

    Road Safety

    By courier

    Access to contact form